A Year in Review: Best Buddies California’s Remarkable 2024
As we reflect back on 2024, we celebrate a year of profound growth and achievement for Best Buddies California. This year, our programs expanded significantly, creating life-changing opportunities for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The power of inclusion was on full display, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our supporters, volunteers, and participants.
Fostering Meaningful Friendships
One of our most remarkable achievements was the explosive growth of our Citizens program,
which saw a 70% increase in membership. This expansion led to 66 new Citizens matches,
helping adults with and without IDD form meaningful, lifelong friendships. In total, over 500 members participated in the program, fostering a strong, inclusive community and closing the gap in support for adults with IDD.
Our School Friendship program also flourished, with 461 one-to-one friendships and the
establishment of 29 new school chapters, bringing our total to 179 active school programs across California. These chapters continue to be a vital part of fostering inclusion on campuses from elementary schools to colleges.
Breaking Barriers in Employment
Best Buddies Jobs made tremendous strides this year, reaching a milestone of 265 participants engaged in meaningful employment. Of those, 209 individuals secured jobs, with 43 new job placements and 63 individuals in active job development. We also proudly launched Project SEARCH in Sacramento, expanding our commitment to helping individuals with IDD develop professional skills and achieve their career aspirations.
Empowering Leaders and Advocates
Our Ambassador Program continued to grow, with 129 ambassadors leading the way in
advocacy and representation. We welcomed 18 new ambassadors and provided 12 leadership
training sessions, equipping individuals with the skills and confidence to serve on advisory boards and event committees. Additionally, 53 Best Buddies participants attended the Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC), further strengthening our leadership pipeline.
Record-Breaking Fundraising and Events
Our events and fundraising efforts reached new heights in 2024. The Bay Area Champion of the Year Gala raised over $230,000, making it the most successful California gala in Best Buddies history. Across the state, 41 Champion candidates collectively raised $535,000. The Best Buddies Friendship Walk saw 3,433 walkers and raised $371,600, ensuring continued support for our life-changing programs.
Looking Ahead
As we close out the incredible year, we are filled with gratitude for our community’s unwavering support. Your dedication has helped us build a more inclusive world—one friendship, one job, and one leadership opportunity at a time. Thank you for making 2024 an unforgettable year of inclusion. We can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in 2025! To become a part of the Best Buddies family and make an impact by volunteering with our organization, visit https://www.bestbuddies.org/california/volunteer/.
